The Vinyl DJ in 2025: This Gear is a Perfect Match!
Everything Here Fits Together, Providing Inspiration For Your Next Purchase
3,7 / 5,0 | 
Vinyl records are back in style, and maybe your collection is so big that you want to start performing as a vinyl DJ. If you’re wondering what equipment you’ll need, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll show you the gear you need to DJ with vinyl, as well as how to create a setup for the future. It’s a perfect match for DJs who love vinyl.
All About the Vinyl DJ in 2025 – Perfect Match
Vinyl DJ in 2025!
Admittedly, we’re cheating a little because, strictly speaking, there are more than three products here. However, the basic setup essentially consists of only three components.
As always with our Perfect Match series, the presented products are suggestions, so we’re happy to mention alternatives. This is especially true for today’s topic because, as a budding vinyl DJ, you have many interesting options. That’s why we explain our reasoning behind each product selection and provide tips on what to consider when making a purchase decision.
Today’s topic is obvious: If you want to DJ with records, you need at least two DJ-compatible turntables. We’ll use the classic SL 1200 from Technics as an example. A mixing console is also important; in this case, we’re using a rotary mixer from Ecler. To do justice to the topic of “vinyl DJing in 2026,” we’re introducing an interface that connects the setup to your computer and integrates a DVS system. Later, we’ll explain that.
Technics 1200/1210 Turntable, Plus Cartridge and Needles
The Technics 1200 and 1210 MK2 are arguably the most famous DJ turntables ever made and have significantly influenced culture. Even today, this model is the blueprint for all DJ turntables.
Technics’ new models (the MK2 has long since been discontinued) are based on this design, though a few details have been revised, and a few new features have been added. Incidentally, the difference between the 1200 and the 1210 refers to the color scheme. The 1200 is “classic” silver, and the 1210 is elegant black.
The MK7 generation has everything vinyl DJs need: These include the pitch control for adjusting the tempo, the fast start-and-stop function, robust and club-ready workmanship, and high compatibility with many different cartridges and needles.
The MK7 series introduces new features: The pitch range can be switched between two levels; the start and brake torque are adjustable; and there is a function to play records backwards. A significant improvement over previous models is that the power and audio cables are no longer permanently soldered. This was one of the old models’ major weaknesses (I can confirm this from experience).
In short, this is the undisputed classic. However, there are alternatives. The PLX-500 and PLX-1000 from Pioneer DJ come to mind first. However, the RP 7000 MK2 and RP 8000 MK2 from Reloop* are perhaps even more interesting. You can purchase the Technics 1200 MK7* and the black 1210 MK7 at Thomann*.
Two pickups with needles are also important. The right ones for you depend on your preferences. Here at Thomann*, you’ll find good information to help you decide. To get started, we can recommend the Ortofon Concorde Mix MKII Twin Set* without hesitation.
Ecler WARM2 Rotary Mixer
Next, let’s move on to another important component for your vinyl DJ setup. A mixer is the link between your turntables and the most important DJ tool. There is a huge selection and a wide price range, of course.
For the perfect match, we present the Ecler WARM2. It’s a rotary mixer equipped entirely with rotary controls. These mixers are extremely popular with vinyl DJs – not just because they look cool, but because they’re great! They are said to produce a warm, convincing sound and often feature an isolator that allows you to manipulate the sound in addition to the EQs.
The Ecler WARM2 has a 3-band EQ for each of its two channels. Although the mixer has three channels, it is marketed as a 2-channel mixer. Channels 1 and 2 can switch between phono and line, and they have their own connections. This allows you to integrate CD and media players, as well as the DVS system, which we’ll discuss shortly. Channel 3 is available for another line input or for connecting a microphone.
There are also connections for integrating an external effects unit. Additionally, there are outputs for recording and monitoring, such as in a club. The main output is duplicated in XLR and RCA.
As mentioned, this mixer lacks faders and a crossfader, which is typical for most rotary mixers. However, there are exceptions, such as the Omnitronic TRM-222* or TRM-422*, which offer a crossfader. If you want faders and channel faders to mix and scratch in a hip-hop style, check out battle mixers. At Thomann*, you’ll also find a selection of high-quality club mixers. In this purchase advisor, you’ll find more recommendations for rotary mixers. The Ecler WARM2 is also available at Thomann*.
Reloop Flux is an Audio Interface for Vinyl DJs with DVS for Serato DJ
Now, let’s move on to some hardware that isn’t essential for vinyl DJs but that will take your setup to the next level. We’re talking about DVS, short for “Digital Vinyl System.” It allows you to play digital audio files, such as MP3s, on your turntable and mix and scratch them just like vinyl records.
To accomplish this, connect your turntables to special interfaces with phono inputs on your computer. DJ software, such as Serato, plays the digital files and additional features, like effects. DJs who use DVS with vinyl also need special time code records that play the signal for synchronization with the DJ software.
The Reloop Flux offers these capabilities. Its USB-C interface serves as a dongle for the full versions of Serato DJ Pro and the Serato DVS plugin. The interface is primarily aimed at vinyl DJs; it won’t necessarily replace your audio interface for the studio.
However, you can use Flux to easily digitize your records or for live performances in clubs. The RCA connectors allow the interface to easily connect to standard DJ mixers.
With three channels, the possibilities extend beyond a two-turntable vinyl DJ setup. The third stereo output can be used as an aux output and assigned to the internal sampler in Serato DJ Pro. If you just want to play records analog, you can switch to vinyl mode at any time using the direct-thru buttons on top.
Flux is the perfect addition to transform your turntable setup into a hybrid system for mixing records and digital files simultaneously. Everything is controlled via the turntable, software, and mixer. Get Reloop Flux here at Thomann*. Timecode vinyls for Serato are also required. You can find them here at Thomann*.
Conclusion: Why This Trio is a “Perfect Match” for Vinyl DJs
If you want to DJ with records, you need two turntables. The SL1200 MK7 and SL1210 MK7 are the latest versions of Technics’ classic turntables. This turntable has everything vinyl DJs need for mixing. You will also need a mixing console to connect the two turntables.
The Ecler Warm2 Rotary Mixer is designed for two channels and delivers a warm, analog sound. The isolator is ideal for creative sound manipulation. You can easily integrate external effects devices to unlock more creative potential.
With the Reloop Flux interface, you can elevate this vinyl DJ setup. It opens up the world of DVS, enabling you to mix MP3s and other digital audio files with your turntables via Serato DJ Pro and timecode vinyl. This audio interface is also ideal for digitizing your records. All in all, we think it’s a perfect match!
More Information
- 7 of the Best Battle Mixers – For All Budgets!
- The Best Rotary Mixers and Boutique Mixing Desks for DJs
- More from Perfect Match
- DJ news on GEARNEWS
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